Optometrist Salary in Westminster, CA: $140,839 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Westminster, CA earns a median $140,839/year (≈ $67.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Westminster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $124,526 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, optometrists in Westminster, California, can expect a median annual salary of $140,839, which positions them slightly above the national median of $140,612. The local salary range varies significantly, spanning from $81,686 at the 10th percentile to as much as $209,232 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflecting local market conditions. With the stability of independent practices contrasted with employment at retail chains or larger groups, Westminster's optometry market offers diverse paths that influence compensation levels based on ownership equity or specific employment structures.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($160,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,686 | $39.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,475 | $53.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $140,839 | $67.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,343 | $82.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $209,232 | $100.59 |
Median Salary Position
0.16% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westminster
In Westminster, CA, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $127,546 (2026 est.). At $140,839, the local median is 0.16% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westminster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westminster Optometrist Pay Compares
Westminster median: $140,839/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westminster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $139,307 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $140,612 | +0.16% more |
Optometrists in Westminster, CA earn a median of $140,839 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.16% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 1.10% above the California state average of $139,307.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westminster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westminster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $140,839 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,526 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$115,436
2025 BLS Actual
$136,790
2026 Current Est.
$140,839
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,436 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $124,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,792 | Actual |
| 2023 | $132,072 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,913 | Actual |
| 2025 | $136,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,839 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $145,008 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westminster metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $115,436 (2019) to $136,790 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $145,008 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,572 (25.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,686 – $111,475 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,475 – $140,839 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $140,839 – $171,343 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,343 – $209,232 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Westminster
Currently, Westminster employs 21 optometrists, indicating a steady local demand for qualified professionals. The cost of living index sits at 113.1, suggesting that while salaries may appear competitive, they must account for greater living expenses in the area. Notably, optometrists engaged in private practices or those involved in the OD/MD model often report higher earnings, attributed in part to shared revenue from ophthalmic referrals or specialized services. In contrast, retail chains tend to follow a more uniform pay structure with potential limitations on earnings. To maximize pay in Westminster, practitioners might consider pursuing advanced residencies that align with expanding scopes of practice and exploring opportunities in private equity-owned practices that can offer competitive compensation packages. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for making informed decisions on career paths in optometry.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do optometrists make in Westminster, CA in 2026?
Is Westminster, CA a good place to work as a optometrist?
Can optometrists make $100K in Westminster?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted optometrist salary in Westminster?
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Related Pages
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $136,790 for optometristsin the Westminster metropolitan area. A 2.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Westminster is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov